Chimonanthus

Chimonanthus Praecox – Best Plants In New Zealand!

Growing colourful shrubs such as Chimonanthus praecox in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They can be used to provide shade, screening, and shelter.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Chimonanthus praecox, and the right one for your space. Our wintersweet plants have been selected and grown to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Chimonanthus praecox, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Chimonanthus Praecox Questions

1. What is the Chinese name for Chimonanthus praecox?

The Chinese name for Chimonanthus praecox is 腊梅花 (zhèng là méi huā), which literally means "wax plum blossom". It is also known as 冬梅 (dōng méi), or "winter plum".

The wintersweet flower is a popular ornamental plant in China, and has been cultivated for over 1,000 years. It is prized for its fragrant yellow flowers, which bloom in the winter months when most other plants are dormant. The wintersweet flower is also a symbol of perseverance and hope, as it blooms during the coldest and darkest time of the year.

The wintersweet flower is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. The flowers and leaves of the plant are said to have a variety of health benefits, including relieving coughs, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation.

2. Is Wintersweet fast growing?

Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) is a slow-growing shrub. It can several years to reach maturity. They can be 1.5-2 m tall and wide once mature.

3. How to grow Winter-Sweet

Winter-sweet is a beautiful and rewarding plant to grow. It is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a variety of conditions. To get the most from it:

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Water the plant regularly, especially during the first growing season.
• Fertilize the plant in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

With proper care, your winter-sweet shrub will thrive for many years to come and provide you with a beautiful and fragrant addition to your garden.

4. How long does it take for wintersweet to flower?

Plants will start to flower from about 2-years old. As the plant becomes more mature, flowering increases.

5. What does winter-sweet smell like?

Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) has a sweet, honey-like fragrance that is often described as being similar to hyacinths and roses. It is a relatively delicate fragrance, but it is very noticeable and can be enjoyed from a distance.

The fragrance of wintersweet is strongest in the morning and evening. It is also stronger on warm days than on cold days.

6. How big do chimonanthus praecox get?

The mature size of Chimonanthus praecox, commonly known as wintersweet, can vary depending on factors like growing conditions, specific variety, and pruning practices. However, here's a general guide to their size:

Typical range:

• Height: 3-5 meters (10-15 feet)
• Width: 2.5-4 meters (8-12 feet)

Specific variations:

• Large cultivars: Varieties like 'Grandiflorus' can reach up to 6 meters (20 feet) in height and spread similarly.
• Dwarf cultivars: Some compact or dwarf varieties like 'Harbinger' might only reach 1.5-2 meters (5-6 feet) in height and width.

7. Does wintersweet like sun or shade?

Wintersweet, or Chimonanthus praecox, definitely prefers sun over shade. They thrive in full sun:

• Planting in full sun encourages more prolific flowering of the vibrant and fragrant blossoms.
• Full sun promotes lush, green leaves, contributing to the overall health and visual appeal of the shrub.
• Wintersweet grows more vigorously and reaches its full potential size in sunny conditions.

Partial Shade Tolerance:

While not ideal, wintersweet can tolerate some partial shade, meaning they receive fewer than six hours of direct sun per day. However, be prepared for some drawbacks and avoid planting wintersweet in deep shade altogether:

• You might see fewer flowers, and blossoms may be less vibrant or fragrant.
• The plant might grow slower and have sparser foliage compared to full sun conditions.